Sunday, May 06, 2007

Cultural Heritage Policy DocumentsThe following list of charters, conventions, and recommendations represent the chronological development of cultural policy over the last 95 years. Documents in the list are international, regional and/or national in their scope. Though not a comprehensive list of all national cultural policies and legislation, these documents identify key issues and represent key policies in the development of contemporary thinking about the conservation of cultural property. Each document is abstracted, and on the abstract page there is a link to the full text document when available.

At the end of the list you will find a roster of the international organizations principally responsible for these documents and links, where available, to their organizational Web sites.The initial research for this section was undertaken for the Getty Conservation Institute by Erica Steele.

ReferencesFor more information on international cultural policy and legislation, please consult the following.Phelan, Marilyn, Gary Edson and Kimberly P. Mayfield, eds. The Law of Cultural Property and Natural Heritage: Protection, Transfer, and Access (Evanston, Ill.: Kalos Kapp Press, 1998). This document contains reference to a limited number of national charters and conventions for the protection of cultural heritage.Burnham, Bonnie, ed. The Protection of Cultural Property, Handbook of National Legislations. (Paris: International Council of Museums, 1974).Saba, Hanná and Nabil G. Salamé, eds. The Protection of Movable Cultural Property, Compendium of Legislative Texts, Volumes I and II (Paris: UNESCO, 1984). Translation of Protection du patrimoine culturel mobilier. These resources contain information on the national legislation of other countries.

Drawing upon the experience of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage(INTACH) in conserving the unprotected architectural heritage and sites of India within aninstitutional framework for two decades;

Respecting the invaluable contributions of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and StateDepartments of Archaeology (SDA) in preserving the finest monuments of India;

Valuing ASI's pioneering role in promoting scientific methods of practice and establishinghighest standards of professionalism in preserving monuments;

Acknowledging the importance and relevance of principles enunciated in the variousinternational Charters adopted by UNESCO, ICOMOS, et al;

Conscious, however, that a majority of architectural heritage properties and sites in India stillremains unidentified, unclassified, and unprotected, thereby subject to attrition on account ofneglect, vandalism and insensitive development;

Recognising the unique resource of the ‘living’ heritage of Master Builders / Sthapatis /Sompuras / Raj Mistris who continue to build and care for buildings following traditions of theirancestors;

Recognising, too, the concept of jeernodharanam, the symbiotic relationship binding thetangible and intangible architectural heritage of India as one of the traditional philosophiesunderpinning conservation practice;

Noting the growing role of a trained cadre of conservation architects in India who are re-definingthe meaning and boundaries of contemporary conservation practices;

Convinced that it is necessary to value and conserve the unprotected architectural heritage andsites in India by formulating appropriate guidelines sympathetic to the contexts in which they arefound;

We, members of INTACH, gathered here in New Delhi on the 4th day of November 2004, adoptthe following Charter for Conservation of Unprotected Architectural Heritage and Sites inIndia.Part 1: PRINCIPLESARTICLE 1: Why Conserve? ARTICLE 2: What to Conserve? ARTICLE 3: ConservationEthicsARTICLE 1: Why Conserve?1.1 The majority of India’s architectural heritage and sites are unprotected. They constitute aunique civilization legacy, as valuable as the monuments legally protected by ASI/ SDA andother governmental and non-governmental agencies. This legacy is being steadily eroded as aresult of insensitive modernization and urbanization, and the fact that it does not command thesame respect as legally protected monuments. Many unprotected heritage sites are still in use,and the manner in which they continue to be kept in use represents the ‘living’ heritage of India.This heritage is manifest in both tangible and intangible forms (Article 2.2), and in its diversitydefines the composite culture of the country. Beyond its role as a historic document, thisunprotected heritage embodies values of enduring relevance to contemporary Indian society, thusmaking it worthy of conservation.1.2 This ‘living’ heritage is not legally protected. The buildings and sites, which constitute it, aresubject to demolition or unsympathetic interventions. The knowledge of traditional buildingskills with which it is associated is also in danger of being lost in the absence of patronage andofficial recognition. Conserving the ‘living’ heritage, therefore, offers the potential to conserveboth traditional buildings and traditional ways of building.1.3 Conserving the unprotected architectural heritage and sites ensures the survival of thecountry’s sense of place and its very character in a globalising environment. It offers theopportunity not only to conserve the past, but also to define the future. It provides alternateavenues for employment and a parallel market for local building materials and technologies,which needs to be taken into account when resources for development are severely constrained.1.4 This ‘living’ heritage also has symbiotic relationships with the natural environments withinwhich it originally evolved. Understanding this interdependent ecological network andconserving it can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of the environment.ARTICLE 2: What to Conserve?2.1 The objective of conservation is to maintain the significance of the architectural heritage orsite. Significance is constituted in both the tangible and intangible forms. The process of Listing(Article 5) must determine the characteristics of significance and prioritise them.2.2 The tangible heritage includes historic buildings of all periods, their setting in the historicprecincts of cities and their relationship to the natural environment. It also includes culturallysignificant modern buildings and towns. The intangible heritage includes the extant culture oftraditional building skills and knowledge, rites and rituals, social life and lifestyles of theinhabitants, which together with the tangible heritage constitutes the ‘living’ heritage. Bothtangible and intangible heritage, and especially the link between them, should be conserved.2.3 Conservation of architectural heritage and sites must retain meaning for the society in whichit exists. This meaning may change over time, but taking it into consideration ensures thatconservation will, at all times, have a contemporary logic underpinning its practice. Thisnecessitates viewing conservation as a multi-disciplinary activity.2.4 Where the evidence of the tangible or intangible architectural heritage exists in fragments, itis necessary to conserve it, even in part, as representative of a historic past. Such conservationmust ideally be undertaken in-situ, but if this is not possible, then it should be relocated to aplace where it would be safe for continued contemplation.2.5 Conservation in India is heir not only to Western conservation theories and principlesintroduced through colonialism and, later, by the adoption of guidelines formulated byUNESCO, ICOMOS and international funding agencies, but also to pre-existing, indigenousknowledge systems and skills of building. These indigenous practices vary regionally and cannotbe considered as a single system operating all over India. This necessitates viewing conservationpractices as a multi-cultural activity.2.6 While the Western ideology of conservation advocates minimal intervention, India’sindigenous traditions idealise the opposite. Western ideology underpins official and legalconservation practice in India and is appropriate for conserving protected monuments. However,conserving unprotected architectural heritage offers the opportunity to use indigenous practices.This does not imply a hierarchy of either practice or site, but provides a rationale for encouragingindigenous practices and thus keeping them alive. Before undertaking conservation, therefore, itis necessary to identify where one system should be applied and where the other. For thispurpose, it is necessary at the outset to make a comprehensive inventory (see Article 5) of extantheritage, both tangible and intangible, and separate it into two categories:A.i Buildings and sites protected by ASI, SDA and other government or non-governmentagencies. Only the official and legal instruments of conservation and internationally acceptedprinciples should be adopted here;A.ii Other listed buildings and sites which, though not protected by ASI, SDA and othergovernment or non-government agencies, possessing heritage value or significance equivalentto that of protected monuments. Here too, the official and legal instruments should be adoptedfor their conservation;B. The remaining listed buildings and sites both modern and historic, including those producedwithin the last hundred years. Here, the conservation strategy may adopt either the official andlegal instruments of conservation or those rooted in indigenous building traditions. Hybridstrategies, inventively combining indigenous and official practices, can also be employed toconserve this heritage category. The decision to adopt indigenous practices should be based onthe availability of skilled and knowledgeable raj mistris. In all cases a rationale for thedecision taken to adopt one or another system of conservation must be recorded.2.7 The overarching objective for undertaking conservation of unprotected architectural heritageand sites is to establish the efficacy of conservation as a development goal. What to conservewill, therefore, be determined by those strategies of conservation, which accommodate theimperatives of development and the welfare of the community while seeking economically toachieve maximum protection of the significant values of the architectural heritage and site.ARTICLE 3: Conservation Ethics3.1 Authenticity3.1.1 The traditional knowledge systems and the cultural landscape in which it exists,particularly if these are ‘living’, should define the authenticity of the heritage value to beconserved. In the absence of such contexts, the official and legal guidelines, particularly asdefined by the “Nara Document on Authenticity, 1994”, should determine the nature of theauthenticity of the architectural heritage and site.3.1.2 Traditional knowledge systems and cultural landscapes vary from one regional/culturalcontext to another or within the same region/culture. Thus, the values of ‘living’ architecturalheritage can differ from one context to another, reflecting the cultural diversity of the country. Ineach case, however, conservation should faithfully reflect the significant values, which define theheritage.3.2 Conjecture3.2.1 Local master builders build, rebuild, restore, renew and make additions/alterations tohistoric buildings in response to contemporary exigencies or evolving local needs of thecommunity; they must be encouraged to follow their traditions even when there is no availableevidence in the form of documentation, oral histories or physical remains of previous structures.Appropriate craftspeople for undertaking such works should be identified as described in Article5.1.4.3.2.2 An exact replacement, restoration or rebuilding must be valued when it ensures continuityof traditional building practices.3.2.3 Conjectural restoration or rebuilding must nevertheless respect the overall spatial andvolumetric composition of historic settings. The parameters of the historical setting should bedefined through comprehensive urban design studies. These parameters should also guide newurban development in the vicinity of heritage buildings and sites.3.2.4 The ASI / SDA rule prohibiting development within a 100-metre radius of a protectedbuilding restricts the practice of restoration or rebuilding of sites, conjectural or otherwise, andthereby may result in harming the welfare of society. This rule should not be applied to conserveunprotected architectural heritages and sites.3.3 Integrity3.3.1 The integrity of the heritage is to be defined and interpreted not only in terms of thephysical fabric of the building, but also with respect to the collective knowledge systems andcultural landscape it represents. This knowledge system, where it exists, must mediate theprocess of conservation/ restoration/ rebuilding of the unprotected architectural heritage in orderto reinforce an appreciation of the cultural landscape. This dynamic concept understands theintegrity of the individual building as one which evolves in response to contemporary needs oflocal society.3.3.2 The concept of an evolving integrity accepts the introduction of new architectonicelements, materials and technologies when local traditions are insufficient or unavailable. Theintroduction of new elements may reflect contemporary aesthetic ideals as modern additions toold buildings.3.4 Patina3.4.1 The patination of historic fabric due to age or natural decay should not compel thepreservation of a ruin as it exists, frozen in time and space. In conformity with local aesthetictraditions, and for the well being of the heritage building or site, renewal, restoration, repair orrebuilding is acceptable. Patina may, where necessary, be considered as a sacrificial layer.3.5 Rights of the indigenous community3.5.1 Each community has its own distinctive culture constituted by its traditions, beliefs, ritualsand practices - all intrinsic to defining the significance of the unprotected architectural heritageand site. The conservation strategy must respect the fact that local cultures are not static and,therefore, encourage active community involvement in the process of decision-making. This willensure that the symbiotic relation between the indigenous community and its own heritage isstrengthened through conservation.3.6 Respect for the contributions of all periods3.6.1 The contributions of earlier periods which produced the historic fabric and consequentinterventions, including contemporary interventions, based on either traditional systems ofbuilding knowledge or modern practices, must be respected as constituting the integrity of theheritage sought to be conserved. The objective of conserving the unprotected architecturalheritage and site is not so much to reveal the authentic quality of the past or preserve its originalintegrity, but rather to mediate its evolving cultural significance to achieve beneficial results.3.6.2 The holistic coherence of the heritage in terms of its urban design, architecturalcomposition and the meaning it holds for the local community should determine any interventionin the process of conservation.3.7 Inseparable bond with setting3.7.1 An unprotected heritage building or site is inseparable from its physical and culturalcontext, and belongs to the local society as long as its members continue to value and nurture it.The conservation process must be sensitive to this relationship, and reinforce it.3.7.2 If the unprotected heritage does not possess any bond with contemporary society, then itsrelevance for conservation may be questioned and modern re-development may be considered anoption to meet the welfare needs of society. This decision must invariably be taken inconsultation with INTACH’s Advisory Committees as described in Article 7.2.5.3.8 Minimal intervention3.8.1 Conservation may include additions and alterations of the physical fabric, in part or whole,in order to reinstate the meaning and coherence of the unprotected architectural heritage and site.In the first instance, however, conservation should attempt minimal intervention.3.8.2 However, substantial additions and alterations may be acceptable provided the significanceof the heritage is retained or enhanced.3.9 Minimal loss of fabric3.9.1 The nature and degree of intervention for repairing, restoring, rebuilding, reuse orintroducing new use, should be determined on the basis of the intervention’s contribution to thecontinuity of cultural practices, including traditional building skills and knowledge, and theextent to which the changes envisaged meet the needs of the community.3.10 Reversibility3.10.1 The principle of reversibility of interventions needs not dictate conservation strategy. Inorder to use the unprotected heritage for the socio-economic regeneration of the localcommunities, the historic building and site can be suitably adapted and modified for anappropriate reuse. For this it is only essential that the process of intervention contributes toconserving the traditional context as far as possible in the modified form. This decision mustinvariably be taken in consultation with INTACH’s Advisory Committees as described in Article7.2.5.3.11 Legibility3.11.1 The legibility of any intervention must be viewed in its own context. If traditionalcraftspeople are employed then it must be accepted that their pride derives from the fact that thenew work is in complete harmony with the old and is not distinguishable from it. Thus, historicways of building must be valued more than the imperative to put a contemporary stamp on anyintervention in a historic building.3.11.2 Where modern material or technology is used, it could be used to replicate the old or bedistinguished from it, depending on the artistic intent governing the strategy of conservation.3.12 Demolish/ Rebuild3.12.1 The concept of jeernodharanam, or regeneration of what decays, must guide the nature ofconservation. This belief is fundamental to conserving traditional ways of building andmaintaining the continuity of local knowledge systems.3.12.2 If, however, local conditions are such that all strategies to conserve the unprotectedarchitectural heritage and site are found to be inadequate, then the option of replacing it shouldbe examined. This process is also rooted in tradition because it recognises ‘cyclical’ perceptionsof time, whereby buildings live, die and are rebuilt. This option must be discussed, debated anddecided in consultation with all concerned stakeholders, including INTACH’s AdvisoryCommittee as described in Article 7.2.5.3.12.3 Where the existence of a cultural resource is under severe threat by natural calamities orman-made hazards, the building may be dismantled and reassembled at another appropriate siteafter undertaking thorough documentation of its extant condition.3.12.4 If a historic structure has outlived its significance and its meanings to local people arelost, it may be preserved as a ruin or, if circumstances do not permit that, left undisturbed to meetits natural end.3.12.5 If removal in whole or part from the original site or context is the only means of ensuringthe security and preservation of a building, then a comprehensive documentation of all valuableand significant components of the cultural resource must be undertaken before it is dismantled.3.13 Relationship between the conservation architect and the community3.13.1 In dealing with the conservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites, it maybecome necessary to temper the role of the conservation architect as an expert professional bytaking into account the desires and aspirations of the local community and the traditionalpractices of raj mistris. This does not assume, a priori, that the interests of conservationarchitects and those of the community and traditional master builders are incompatible, but ratherthat there must be room in the process of conservation for dialogue and negotiated decisionmaking.In order to achieve a more satisfying result for the community it may be necessary to overridethe professional imperative to adhere to the principles governing the conservation of legallyprotected monuments. This is acceptable when dealing with unprotected architectural heritageand sites provided, as stated in Article 2.7, that conservation strategies seek economically toachieve maximum protection of the significant values of the architectural heritage and site.Part 2: GUIDELINESARTICLE 4: Conservation Objectives ARTICLE 5: Listing ARTICLE 6: Guidelines forConservationARTICLE 4: Conservation Objectives4.1 Retain visual identity4.1.1 In a globalising world, where visual spaces are rapidly becoming homogenised, it isnecessary to retain the specific visual identity of a place created by the presence of unprotectedarchitectural heritage and sites. Yet, this image should not be preserved in the manner of legallyprotected monuments, but must accommodate the imperatives of change in making the heritagerelevant in contemporary society. The objective must be to integrate unprotected heritage andsites into daily social life by balancing their needs so that neither overshadows the other.4.1.2 The visual cacophony created by advertisement boards, signage, hanging electric cables, airconditioning units, dish antennas, etc. must be carefully controlled to enhance the visualcharacter of the architectural heritage and site. Additions of street furniture, pavement material,lighting, signage, etc. can add to the experience and appreciation of the heritage.4.1.3 In this respect the objectives of conservation can mediate even new buildings orneighbourhoods by requiring them to make reference to the old by employing elements, methodsand devices characterising the architectural heritage of the area so that the new is linked with theold.4.2 Adaptive re-use4.2.1 The re-use of historic buildings and neighbourhoods is economically sensible. It is aneffective strategy to conserve architectural heritage, particularly by using traditional craftspeoplein the process. Such re-use distinguishes between preservation as an ideal on the one hand and,on the other, the goal to prolong the useful life of architectural heritage by retaining as much(and not necessarily, all) of the surviving evidence as a vestigial presence.4.2.2 Priority must be accorded to retaining the continuity of original functions. Any new usemust be introduced only after studying its effect on the local context, and must conform to thecarrying capacity and vulnerability of the architectural heritage.4.2.3 All changes to the original fabric should be preceded and followed by comprehensivedocumentation. Additions and alterations must respect the coherence of the whole, and must, tothe extent possible, engage traditional materials, skills and knowledge in the process.4.2.4 When it becomes necessary to modernise and comprehensively alter the original internalfunctional characteristics of the building or site, its external image must be retained.4.2.5 At the outset, the local community must be made aware of the changes envisaged andexplained the benefits to be derived.4.3 Restoration/ Replication/ Rebuilding4.3.1 Restoration is an appropriate conservation strategy to reinstate the integrity or complete thefractured ‘whole’ of the architectural heritage/ site. It must aim to convey the meaning of theheritage in the most effective manner. It may include reassembling of displaced anddismembered components of the structure and conjectural building or replacement of missing orseverely deteriorated parts of the fabric. Invariably, restoration work must be preceded andfollowed by comprehensive documentation in order to base interventions on informedunderstanding of the resource and its context, and in conformity with contemporary practices oflocal craftspeople.4.3.2 In consonance with traditional ideals, replication can be accepted as an appropriate strategynot only to conserve unprotected historic buildings, but especially if such replication encourageshistoric ways of building.4.3.3 At the urban level, the objective of rebuilding historic structures should be to enhance thevisual and experiential quality of the built environment, thereby providing a local distinctivenessto contest the homogenising influence of globalisation.4.3.4 In addition, reconstruction/ rebuilding can provide the impetus to develop a parallel marketfor local buildings materials and new opportunities for the use of alternative systems of building.4.3.5 Reconstruction based on minimal physical evidence is appropriate where it is supported bythe knowledge of local craftspeople, including folklore, beliefs, myths and legends, rituals,customs, oral traditions, etc. The objective of this practice must be to interpret the originalmeanings of the resource in the contemporary context and reinforce its bond with society.4.4 Employment generation4.4.1 Conservation strategy must focus on the potential for employing local raj mistris, labourand materials because this will prolong the economic viability of traditional ways of building. Inconditions of resource scarcity, the use of architectural heritage can provide an alternate andmore economic strategy to meet contemporary needs as well.4.5 Local material and traditional technology4.5.1 The use of local materials and traditional technologies must invariably be preferred. Theirchoice must be based on the availability of traditional knowledge systems. Modern substitutesshould be considered only after their use is proven efficient and judicious, and must notcompromise the integrity and continuity of local building traditions.4.5.2 It is necessary to recognise that the use of certain traditional building materials may beinadvisable on account of the damage this can cause to the natural ecological systems. Thus theuse of shell lime in coastal areas and wood generally may need to be judicially substituted withalternate materials.4.6 Integrated conservation4.6.1 Conservation of architectural heritage and sites must be integrated with the social andeconomic aspirations of society. Conservation-oriented development must be the preferredstrategy for social and economic progress. This necessitates the formation of multi-disciplinaryteams to undertake integrated conservation projects. Since social aspirations are diverse andoften at odds with each other, the conservation team must include social workers to facilitatedialogue and decision-making.4.7 Sustainability3.1 4.7.1 The objective of conservation should be to sustain the building and/or the traditionalskill and knowledge system of building. In this context, continuity must be seen as evolving overtime. The test of its validity must be the positive contribution it makes to the quality of life of thelocal community.ARTICLE 5: Listing5.1 Introduction5.1.1 Through the ASI, the Central Government protects monuments more than 100 years olddeclared to be of national importance. Monuments of importance to States are protected by therespective SDAs. However, the existing legislation covers only about 5,000 monuments at thenational level and approximately 3,500 at the state level. Considering India’s vast culturalheritage, these numbers are inadequate and their focus monument-centric.5.1.2 INTACH has undertaken an inventory of built heritage in India which includes notablebuildings aged 50 years or more which are deemed to be of architectural, historical,archaeological or aesthetic importance.5.1.3 This inventory will become INTACH’s National Register of Historic Properties. It attemptsto create a systematic, accessible and retrievable inventory of the built heritage of this country. Itwill serve as resource material for developing heritage conservation policies and regulations. Indue course, this database should be made more comprehensive and the information compiledshould be available online. It should also be made compatible with similar registers of othercountries to facilitate international research.5.1.4 A similar Register of Craftspeople associated with the architectural heritage must beundertaken by specialist cultural organizations (Article 8.6.3). It is important to reiterate thatboth buildings being listed and associated activities that keep these building in use constitute the‘living’ heritage. The Register of Craftspeople is, therefore, essential to viewing the architecturalheritage in a holistic manner.5.2 Inventory of properties / buildings5.2.1 Since a large part of India’s cultural heritage has so far remained undocumented, preparingan inventory of heritage buildings worthy of preservation is the most important task with whichto begin the process of conservation.5.2.2 The primary aim of listing is to document the fast disappearing built heritage and thenpresent it to scholars and the general public in a user-friendly format, which aids conservation bygenerating public awareness. Once a property/ building is included in such a list, it becomesjustifiable to undertake necessary conservation activities by formulating special regulations forits conservation or according it due protection under Town Planning Acts. Ideally, the footprintsof all listed buildings should be included in the Master Plan documents of cities.5.2.3 Buildings protected by the ASI and SDA should also be included in the list prepared byINTACH.5.3 Selection criteria5.3.1 Although interrelated, the following three key attributes will determine whether a propertyis worthy of listing:i. Historic significanceii. Historic integrityiii. Historic contextOne or more of these attributes need to be present in a building to make it worthy of listing.5.4 Historic significance5.4.1 Historic significance refers to the importance of a property to the history, architecture,archaeology, engineering or culture of a community, region or nation. In selecting a building,particular attention should be paid to the following:i. Association with events, activities or patterns.ii. Association with important persons, including ordinary people who have madesignificant contribution to India’s living heritage.iii. Distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction or form, representingthe work of a master craftsperson.iv. Potential to yield important information, such as socio-economic history. Railwaystations, town halls, clubs, markets, water works etc. are examples of such sitesv. Technological innovation represented. For example: dams, bridges, etc.vi. Town planning features such as squares, streets, avenues, etc. For example:Rajpath in New Delhi.5.5 Historic integrity5.5.1 Historic integrity refers to the property’s historic identity, evidenced by the survival ofphysical characteristics and significant elements that existed during the property’s historicperiod. The “original” identity includes changes and additions over historic time.5.5.2 Historic integrity enables a property to illustrate significant aspects of its past. Not onlymust a property resemble its historic appearance, but it must also retain original materials, designfeatures and aspects of construction dating from the period when it attained significance.5.5.3 Historic integrity also relates to intangible values such as the building or site’s culturalassociations and traditions.5.6 Historic context5.6.1 Historic context refers to information about historic trends and properties grouped by animportant theme in the history of a community, region or nation during a particular period oftime.5.6.2 Knowledge of historic context enables the public to understand a historic property as aproduct of its time.5.7 Precincts or properties with multiple owners5.7.1 A historic building complex may comprise of numerous ancillary structures besides themain structure. Each structure of the complex must be documented on individual proformas. Forexample, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas and Moti Masjid all form part of theAgra Fort complex but are also individual buildings in their own right and, as such, must bedocumented individually.5.8 Methodology5.8.1 The determination of significance is the key component of methodology. All conservationdecisions follow from the level of significance that is assigned to a building or site.5.8.2 Listing work is comprised of two phases:i. Background researchii. Field work5.9 Background research5.9.1 Before commencing actual fieldwork, the lister should gather basic information fromvarious sources including gazetteers, travel books and other specialised books containinginformation about the architecture and history of the area to be listed and documented. This workcould be done in university libraries, the ASI, the National Museum, the Central Secretariat, therespective State Secretariats, Institutes of Advanced Studies and Schools of Planning andArchitecture. In a given area, local experts and university scholars are resource persons whocould also provide required guidance and help.5.9.2 Background research helps to ensure that no important structure or representative style ofbuilding is left out of the list. It enables the identification of historic areas, historic developmentof the area, significant events in the area and important persons associated with the area. In somewell-documented areas, distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction or form ofbuilding resource can also be identified.5.10 Field work5.10.1 First and foremost it is necessary to carry out a field survey to identify the buildings andthe areas to be listed. Following this, a detailed physical inspection of the property and dialogueswith appropriate local people such as the owners of the property, area residents, localpanchayats, etc. need to be undertaken. By physically inspecting the property the lister cangather information regarding the physical fabric of the building, such as physical characteristics,period of construction, etc. that need to be cross-checked with the literature survey. Byconducting a dialogue with area residents, the lister can determine the changes to the propertyover time, ownership details, historic function and activities, association with events and personsand the role of the property in local, regional or national history.5.10.2 When gathering information, the lister must be mindful of proforma requirements (Article5.12). The proforma is, first of all, a record of the property at the time of listing and consists ofcurrent name; historic or other name(s), location, approach and accessibility, current ownership,historic usage, and present use.5.10.3 Claims of historic significance and integrity should be supported with descriptions ofspecial features, state of preservation, relevant dates, etc.5.11 Mapping of vernacular architecture and historic settlements5.11.1 The major shortcoming of the current list of legally protected architectural heritage is thatit does not recognise vernacular architecture and historic settlements as categories of heritageworthy of being conserved. The listing of unprotected architectural heritage and sites must,therefore, include this category. An example of such an inclusive document is INTACH’s“Listing of Built Heritage of Delhi” published in 1999.5.11.2 Sacred sites must be dealt with due sensitivity and knowledge of the local social andcultural imperatives governing their sanctity. Listing must record such characteristics associatedwith these sites.5.12 Detailed format for all the structures5.12.1 Information for each building or site should be recorded as per INTACH’s standardformat as described below.5.12.2 Each proforma must contain information about listers and reviewers. Listing must becarried out by or under the supervision of experienced conservation architects.5.12.3 At least one photograph of the property/ building should be recorded for identificationpurposes. All significant elements of the property also need to be photographed. All photographsshould be properly catalogued.5.12.4 A conceptual plan (if available, a measured drawing) should be given for each building/area listed.5.12.5 Any additional information related to or affecting the built heritage of thecity/town/region documented and its conservation should be included as appendices, forexample: laws and regulations on planning and conservation, etc.5.12.6 A glossary should be provided explaining the technical and the special words used mustbe provided. For example: “Imambara - a shrine/ religious structure of Shia Muslims”.5.12.7 A bibliography of all books, publications, articles and unpublished work must beprovided. The uniform format should be followed throughout.5.13 Grading5.13.1 The primary objective of listing is to record extant architectural heritage and sites. But theoutcome of this process should invariably be to grade the listed heritage into a hierarchical series.This process must be undertaken in a rigorous and transparent manner by a multi-disciplinaryteam of experts whose recommendations should be available for public scrutiny. The importanceof this process cannot be underestimated because its results determine subsequent conservationdecisions. Such hierarchical categorisation facilitates the prioritisation of decisions relating to thefuture of architectural heritage and sites.5.13.2 This Charter recommends that buildings and sites be classified as Grade I*, I, II and III indescending order of importance.5.13.3 Buildings and sites classified as Grade I*, I and II should be conserved in accordance withthe provisions of official and legal manuals of practice (for example, ASI’s Works Manual).Some Grade II buildings, however, and all other listed buildings and sites, i.e. Grade III, may beconserved in accordance with principles enunciated in this Charter (Article 2.6). The decision toapply the principles enunciated in this Charter to Grade II buildings must invariably be based onthe concurrence of the Advisory Committees of INTACH (Article 7.2.5).5.13.4 The process of listing should be constantly upgraded and the list updated in keeping withthe availability of fresh information, financial and material resources, advances in technologyand developments in the understanding of architectural heritage and its constituents.ARTICLE 6: Guidelines for Conservation6.1 Guidelines for Conservation6.1.1 For the present, the latest edition of INTACH’s “Guidelines for Conservation” should befollowed, unless otherwise indicated by the imperatives of this Charter. These Guidelines shouldbe updated by conservation architects periodically. It may also be necessary to bring out regionspecificguidelines so that conservation practices can be sensitive to regional material andcultural attributes.6.2 Heritage zone6.2.1 Conservation of architectural heritage sites can be undertaken in terms of the Heritage Zoneconcept propagated by INTACH. In general, Heritage Zones are sensitive development areas,which are a part of larger urban agglomeration possessing significant evidence of heritage. TheHeritage Zone concept requires that the conservation of unprotected architectural heritage andsites must be sensitively planned, but also aligned with the imperatives of routine developmentprocess.6.2.2 Urban conservation plans must be incorporated into the statutory Master Plan of cities. Thisnecessitates undertaking a process of dialogue and negotiation with government town planningdepartments as part of the conservation strategy. Regulations to control or mediate developmentwithin the Heritage Zone, including new construction, demolition or modification to existingbuildings around historic structures or within historic precincts can be formulated andincorporated within the “Special Area” provision of the respective Town Planning Acts ofdifferent States.6.3 Role of conservation architects6.3.1 The role of the conservation architect is to provide expert advice for conserving thearchitectural heritage and site. Conservation, however, is a multi-disciplinary activity andconservation architects must work closely with professionals of other disciplines in order toaddress its diverse objectives. Depending on circumstances, the conservation architect may eitherlead the project team or simply participate as a team member with specific expertise. In anyevent, the role of conservation architects must be clearly defined, either by conservationarchitects themselves or by the initiator of the project.6.3.2 Conservation architects also have an important advocacy role to play in promoting theconservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites. They need to catalyse awarenessboth among administrators and beneficiaries to achieve the objectives of conservation enunciatedin this Charter.Part 3: MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATIONARTICLE 7: Management ARTICLE 8: Education and Public AwarenessARTICLE 7: Management7.1 Role of local communities7.1.1 Local communities or individuals must be entrusted with responsibilities to conserve theirown heritage. Where outside expertise is necessary, local stakeholders must be made activeparticipants at all stages of the conservation process. All decisions regarding the conservationand management of heritage must be taken in consultation with local communities in consonancewith the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution of India.7.2 Role of INTACH7.2.1 The role of INTACH is to institutionalise the conservation of the unprotected architecturalheritage all over India. It should accomplish this objective by establishing Local Chapters.7.2.2 INTACH’s local Chapters should promote the culture of conservation (Article 8), and makean inventory of architectural heritage (Article 5). They should develop ways and means toconserve local architectural heritage in consultation with INTACH’s Regional and Centraloffices.7.2.3 Each Local Chapter should compile an annual “State of the Architectural Heritage Report”for its area and submit annual and quinquennial plans for conservation works to be undertaken inits locality.7.2.4 INTACH’s Regional and Central offices should compile this data to produce an annualnational “State of the Architectural Heritage Report” which should highlight heritage in dangerand formulate conservation strategies for its protection.7.2.5 To further facilitate its goal of protecting architectural heritage, INTACH should establishinter-disciplinary Advisory Committees at the regional and national level. These Committeesshould act as clearing-houses for awarding grading for listed buildings and sites, conservationplans, assessment reports, scientific studies, funding proposals, legal and administrativemeasures for conserving the unprotected architectural heritage.7.2.6 INTACH should facilitate and coordinate its activities with the Government and otherinterest groups, local, national and international, which are concerned with the conservation ofarchitectural heritage.7.2.7 INTACH should establish appropriate benchmarks for professional fees for conservationwork and promote adherence to this scale in all conservation projects (see Article 9.1.8).7.2.8 INTACH should review this Charter and if necessary, make amendments to it every fiveyears.7.3 Fiscal measures7.3.1 Innovative financial schemes must be offered to individuals or communities in order toencourage their involvement and interest in the preservation of their own heritage. INTACH’sAdvisory Committee should engage in dialogue with the Government to initiate the formulationof appropriate fiscal policies to promote conservation.7.3.2 INTACH should lobby for the provision for a ‘Heritage Fund’ to be included in the annualor quinquennial budgetary allocations of Central and State governments. It should endeavour toensure that local governing bodies have access to these funds through transparent mechanisms.7.3.3 The policy of the ‘adoption’ of historic buildings/areas by competent and concernedcommunity groups, trusts or private entrepreneurs of repute, that in no way harms the interests orwell-being of the heritage or the society in which it exists, must be encouraged.7.3.4 The owners or caretakers of listed heritage should be offered incentives by way offavourable tax rebates, grants, loans, transfer of development rights and so forth, in order toencourage and foster their interest in the conservation of their cultural property.7.3.5 Public authorities, private companies, governmental bodies and non-governmentalorganisations should be encouraged to offer adequate financial assistance to traditionalcraftspeople and agencies involved in craft promotion and trade.7.4 Tourism7.4.1 The strong affinity between tourism and heritage should be leveraged to promote theconservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites.7.4.2 The potentials of domestic tourism, particularly pilgrimage tourism, need to be developed.7.4.3 At the same time, however, there must be adequate safeguards to mitigate problems createdby aggressive tourism promotion in areas where traditional communities are associated withunprotected architectural heritage and sites.7.5 Punitive measures7.5.1 Punitive measures as defined in the existing legislative framework concerning heritageprotection; town planning acts and building byelaws must be extended to cover all listedbuildings. In principle, permission must be sought for any intervention in listed buildings orprecincts. Where the opportunity exists, a new set of regulations to deal specifically withunprotected heritage should be drafted.7.5.2 Administrative or criminal prosecution must be considered in cases of deliberate damage tolisted architectural heritage.ARTICLE 8: Education and Public Awareness8.1 Public responsibilities8.1.1 The responsibility for care and maintenance of heritage must be entrusted to the localcommunity, for the protection and conservation of any cultural resource is ensured only if itenjoys the love and respect of the local people.8.1.2 In conformity with the intent of the Constitution of India, conservation of heritage must bethe duty of every Indian citizen, and all administrative, legislative and financial assistance mustbe provided in this regard at all levels.8.2 Public awareness8.2.1 It is essential to create public interest, awareness and concern regarding the significance ofcultural heritage, its protection, conservation and enhancement for the benefit of both present andfuture generations. This public education can be achieved by utilising communication andpromotion techniques: thematic publications, print and electronic media, cultural programmes,educational fairs, heritage site visits and excursions, exhibitions, workshops, lectures, seminarsand so on.8.2.2 Regional, national or international historically significant days, festivals and similaroccasions could provide opportunities for community celebrations sensitively designed to drawpublic attention. Such events can be organised in or around historic structures/areas therebyreinforcing the role of heritage in the well-being of society.8.2.3 Heritage walks can be used as an effective tool to involve local people in the informedappreciation and protection of their historic surroundings and cultural context. Such small-scaleactivities could precipitate a chain reaction of localised conservation projects involvingcommunity participation and contribution. These collective efforts need to be publicised so thatthey can serve as models to be adopted and adapted by other communities. Cultural walkslinking various historic nodes must also be tailored to promote tourism, thereby creatingeconomic benefits for the local community.8.2.4 The legislation and regulations laid down in the administrative system, building by-laws,town planning acts and other measures relevant to the protection and conservation ofarchitectural heritage must be made accessible to the public through user-friendly manuals andpublications.8.2.5 Governments at all levels and their associates authorities should support and facilitate nongovernmentorganisations, registered charitable trusts, heritage cooperatives and privateinitiatives to organise awareness programmes highlighting various aspects of heritageconservation, consequently informing local people of the means to deal with the challengesinvolved therein.8.3. Education in primary and secondary schools8.3.1 Respect and affection for heritage - both natural and cultural - and concern for itsprotection and conservation should be inculcated in school children, and this must form a crucialaspect of education. Children must be encouraged to experience historic environs by engagingthem in outdoor play activities, cultural events, picnics and extra-curricular subjects involvingdrawing or painting of cultural sites.8.3.2 School teachers should be given specialised training in order to make them aware of theissues involved in the appreciation and preservation of heritage.8.3.3 Education curricula should include subjects on India’s natural, cultural, and living heritagethat highlight the multifaceted relationship between cultural resources and society, reinforcingtheir inseparable bond.8.4 Undergraduate education8.4.1 The institutes, colleges and universities for the education of architects, engineers,archaeologists, planners, administrative service officers, management professionals, materialchemists and other professions relevant to heritage conservation and management shouldencourage inter-disciplinary interaction on shared issues and common concerns and inculcate aholistic understanding of heritage with reference to social, cultural and economic aspects of thesociety.8.4.2 The education of conservation professionals must include short training periods whenstudents work with master craftspeople in their own learning environment or atbuilding/conservation sites. This would provide an opportunity for students to acquire practicalexperience in the application of skills and use of materials, thus strengthening their theoreticaltraining.8.4.3 In order to respond sensitively and constructively to India’s special conservationchallenges, conservation professionals must be trained to appreciate and integrate both traditionaland modern principles in their work.8.5 Post-graduate education8.5.1 In addition to history and theory of conservation, which will principally include theWestern perspective, and a thorough understanding of UNESCO, ICOMOS and other recognisedinternational conventions, recommendations, Charters and guidelines, the specialized educationand training of conservation professionals must build upon traditional indigenous principles andpractices of building and conservation. Professional must be trained to adopt a flexible stancemost relevant to the specificity of their own context - which will frequently require usingindigenous principles and practices - rather than adhere blindly to the conservation ideologyadvocated by UNESCO/ ICOMOS and other international aid giving agencies. Working with aninter-disciplinary team of professionals should be encouraged as an effective conservation andmanagement mechanism.8.5.2 It must be stressed that conservation architects acquire hands-on experience and practicalunderstanding of indigenous materials and technologies through training or working with localmaster craftspeople. This will facilitate a healthy and sustained relationship amongst teachers,students and craftspeople, which can be mutually beneficial for future collaborative work onconservation projects, training workshops, awareness programmes and so forth.8.6 Education and training of craftspeople8.6.1 The ideal way to preserve a craft is to practice it. In order to ensure the continuity of crafttraditions, it is essential that systematic education and training environments be provided andsupported at all levels by the Government, non-governmental organisations and privateentrepreneurs. In addition to individual initiatives of modest scale within limited resources,NGOs can support small to medium-sized schools, and Central and State governments canoperate fully equipped training centres that specialise in traditional building and conservationcrafts.8.6.2 Building Centres set up by HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation of theGovernment of India) are important initiatives that can be leveraged to promote traditionalconservation practices. These Centres train and upgrade the skills of various trades of builders,with a focus on the use of appropriate materials and technologies. Conservation architects shouldassociate themselves with these Centres in order to systemise the dissemination of traditionalbuilding principles and practices.8.6.3 A comprehensive list of specialised crafts and craftspeople must be prepared that can serveas a resource base for owners, care-takers or managers of heritage properties, as also forprofessionals involved in the conservation and management of historic buildings/areas.8.6.4 The monologue aspect of the modern ‘teaching’ system should be abandoned and adialogue of mutual ‘learning’ must be adopted as a training principle, where both the instructorand the crafts person benefit from each other by exchanging ideas, ideologies and experiences.Training programmes must aim toward the sustainability of indigenous building system, andskills that are rooted in traditional knowledge bases and local cultures.8.6.5 The education of crafts people seeking advanced skills or specialisation must reconcile thecrucial aspects of both traditional texts and techniques and modern theories and technologies,consequently bridging the gap between indigenous and Western (glossed as ‘universal’)principles and practices of conservation.Part 4: PROFESSIONALISMARTICLE 9: Code of Professional Commitment and Practice9.1 Conservation professionals shall:9.1.1 Ensure that their professional activities do not conflict with their general responsibility tocontribute positively to the quality of the environment and welfare of society.9.1.2 Apply their knowledge and skills towards the creative, responsible and economicaldevelopment of the nation and its heritage.9.1.3 Provide professional services of a high standard, to the best of their ability.9.1.4 Maintain a high standard of integrity.9.1.5 Conduct themselves in a manner which is not derogatory to their professional character,nor likely to lessen the confidence of the public in the profession, nor likely to bringconservation professionals into disrepute.9.1.6 Promote the profession of conservation, standards of conservation education, research,training and practice.9.1.7 Act with fairness and impartiality when administering a conservation contract.9.1.8 Observe and uphold INTACH’s conditions of engagement and scale of charges, which willbe prepared in due course, in consultation with conservation professionals.9.1.9 If in private practice, inform their client of the conditions of engagement and scale ofconsultancy fee, and agree that these conditions be the basis of their appointment.9.1.10 Not sub-commission to other professional(s) the work for which they have beencommissioned, without prior agreement of their client.9.1.11 Not give or take discounts, commissions, gifts or other inducements for obtaining work.9.1.12 Compete fairly with other professional colleagues.9.1.13 Not supplant or attempt to supplant another conservation professional.9.1.14 Not prepare project reports in competition with other professionals for a client withoutpayment or for a reduced fee (except in a competition conducted in accordance with thecompetition guidelines approved by INTACH).9.1.15 Not attempt to obtain, offer to undertake or accept a commission for which they knowanother professional has been selected or employed until they have evidence that the selection,employment or agreement has been terminated, and the client has given the previous professionalwritten notice to that effect.9.1.16 Allow the client to consult as many professional as desired/ required provided that eachprofessional so consulted is adequately compensated and that the project is in the preliminarystages.9.1.17 Comply with guidelines for project competitions and inform INTACH of theirappointment as assessor for a competition.9.1.18 Not have or take as partner in their firm any person who is disqualified.9.1.19 Provide their employees with a suitable working environment, compensate them fairlyand facilitate their professional development.9.1.20 Recognise and respect the professional contributions of their employees.9.1.21 Provide their associates with a suitable working environment, compensate them fairly andfacilitate their professional development.9.1.22 Recognise and respect the professional contributions of their associates.9.1.23 Recognise and respect the professional contributions of all consultants.9.1.24 Enter into agreements with consultants defining the scope of their work, responsibilities,functions, fees and mode of payment.9.1.25 Not advertise their professional services nor allow their name to be included inadvertisements or be used for publicity purposes except under the following circumstances:i. Notice of change of address may be published on three occasions and correspondents may beinformed by post.ii. Professionals may exhibit their name outside their office and on a conservation site, eitherunder implementation or completed, for which they are or were consultant, provided that thelettering does not exceed 10 cm. in height and this in agreement with the client.iii. Advertisements including the name and address of professionals may be published inconnection with calling of tenders, staff requirements and similar matters.iv. Professionals may allow their name to be associated with illustrations and/or descriptionsof their work in the press or public media, provided that they neither give nor accept anycompensation for such appearances.v. Professionals may allow their name to appear in advertisements inserted in the press bysuppliers or manufacturers of materials used in a project they have undertaken, provided thattheir name is included in an unostentatious manner and they neither give nor accept anycompensation for its use.vi. Professionals may allow their name to appear in publications prepared by clients for thepurpose of advertising or promoting projects for which they have been commissioned.vii. Professionals may produce or publish brochures, and pamphlets describing theirexperience and capabilities, for distribution to those potential clients whom they can identifyby name and position.viii.Professionals may allow their name to appear in the classified columns of trade/professional directories and/ or the telephone directory.9.1.26 When working in other countries, comply with the codes of conduct applicable there.9.2 If a conservation professional practices as a partner in a partnership firm or is in charge andresponsible to a company registered under the Companies Act 1956 for the conduct of businessof such company, he/she shall ensure that such partnership firm or company, as the case may be,complies with the provisions of Article 9.1.9.3 Violation of any of the provisions of Article 9.1 shall constitute professional misconductTHE NARA DOCUMENT ON AUTHENTICITYPreamble1. We, the experts assembled in Nara (Japan), wish to acknowledge the generous spirit andintellectual courage of the Japanese authorities in providing a timely forum in which we couldchallenge conventional thinking in the conservation field, and debate ways and means ofbroadening our horizons to bring greater respect for cultural and heritage diversity toconservation practice.2. We also wish to acknowledge the value of the framework for discussion provided by theWorld Heritage Committee's desire to apply the test of authenticity in ways which accord fullrespect to the social and cultural values of all societies, in examining the outstanding universalvalue of cultural properties proposed for the World Heritage List.3. The Nara Document on Authenticity is conceived in the spirit of the Charter of Venice, 1964,and builds on it and extends it in response to the expanding scope of cultural heritage concernsand interests in our contemporary world.4. In a world that is increasingly subject to the forces of globalization and homogenization, andin a world in which the search for cultural identity is sometimes pursued through aggressivenationalism and the suppression of the cultures of minorities, the essential contribution made bythe consideration of authenticity in conservation practice is to clarify and illuminate thecollective memory of humanity.Cultural Diversity and Heritage Diversity5. The diversity of cultures and heritage in our world is an irreplaceable source of spiritual andintellectual richness for all humankind. The protection and enhancement of cultural and heritagediversity in our world should be actively promoted as an essential aspect of human development.6. Cultural heritage diversity exists in time and space, and demands respect for other cultures andall aspects of their belief systems. In cases where cultural values appear to be in conflict, respectfor cultural diversity demands acknowledgment of the legitimacy of the cultural values of allparties.7. All cultures and societies are rooted in the particular forms and means of tangible andintangible expression which constitute their heritage, and these should be respected.8. It is important to underline a fundamental principle of UNESCO, to the effect that the culturalheritage of each is the cultural heritage of all. Responsibility for cultural heritage and themanagement of it belongs, in the first place, to the cultural community that has generated it, andsubsequently to that which cares for it. However, in addition to these responsibilities, adherenceto the international charters and conventions developed for conservation of cultural heritage alsoobliges consideration of the principles and responsibilities flowing from them. Balancing theirown requirements with those of other cultural communities is, for each community, highlydesirable, provided achieving this balance does not undermine their fundamental cultural values.Values and authenticity9. Conservation of cultural heritage in all its forms and historical periods is rooted in the valuesattributed to the heritage. Our ability to understand these values depends, in part, on the degree towhich information sources about these values may be understood as credible or truthful.Knowledge and understanding of these sources of information, in relation to original andsubsequent characteristics of the cultural heritage, and their meaning, is a requisite basis forassessing all aspects of authenticity.10. Authenticity, considered in this way and affirmed in the Charter of Venice, appears as theessential qualifying factor concerning values. The understanding of authenticity plays afundamental role in all scientific studies of the cultural heritage, in conservation and restorationplanning, as well as within the inscription procedures used for the World Heritage Conventionand other cultural heritage inventories.11. All judgements about values attributed to cultural properties as well as the credibility ofrelated information sources may differ from culture to culture, and even within the same culture.It is thus not possible to base judgements of values and authenticity within fixed criteria. On thecontrary, the respect due to all cultures requires that heritage properties must considered andjudged within the cultural contexts to which they belong.12. Therefore, it is of the highest importance and urgency that, within each culture, recognitionbe accorded to the specific nature of its heritage values and the credibility and truthfulness ofrelated information sources.13. Depending on the nature of the cultural heritage, its cultural context, and its evolutionthrough time, authenticity judgements may be linked to the worth of a great variety of sources ofinformation. Aspects of the sources may include form and design, materials and substance, useand function, traditions and techniques, location and setting, and spirit and feeling, and otherinternal and external factors. The use of these sources permits elaboration of the specific artistic,historic, social, and scientific dimensions of the cultural heritage being examined.Appendix1Suggestions for follow-up (proposed by H. Stovel)1. Respect for cultural and heritage diversity requires conscious efforts to avoid imposingmechanistic formulae or standardized procedures in attempting to define or determineauthenticity of particular monuments and sites.2. Efforts to determine authenticity in a manner respectful of cultures and heritage diversityrequires approaches which encourage cultures to develop analytical processes and tools specificto their nature and needs. Such approaches may have several aspects in common:• efforts to ensure assessment of authenticity involve multidisciplinary collaboration andthe appropriate utilisation of all available expertise and knowledge;• efforts to ensure attributed values are truly representative of a culture and the diversity ofits interests, in particular monuments and sites;• efforts to document clearly the particular nature of authenticity for monuments and sitesas a practical guide to future treatment and monitoring;• efforts to update authenticity assessments in light of changing values and circumstances.3. Particularly important are efforts to ensure that attributed values are respected, and that theirdetermination included efforts to build, ad far as possible, a multidisciplinary and communityconsensus concerning these values.4. Approaches should also build on and facilitate international co-operation among all those withan interest in conservation of cultural heritage, in order to improve global respect andunderstanding for the diverse expressions and values of each culture.5. Continuation and extension of this dialogue to the various regions and cultures of the world isa prerequisite to increasing the practical value of consideration of authenticity in theconservation of the common heritage of humankind.6. Increasing awareness within the public of this fundamental dimension of heritage is anabsolute necessity in order to arrive at concrete measures for safeguarding the vestiges of thepast. This means developing greater understanding of the values represented by the culturalproperties themselves, as well as respecting the role such monuments and sites play incontemporary society.Appendix IIDefinitionsConservation: all efforts designed to understand cultural heritage, know its history and meaning,ensure its material safeguard and, as required, its presentation, restoration and enhancement.(Cultural heritage is understood to include monuments, groups of buildings and sites of culturalvalue as defined in article one of the World Heritage Convention).Information sources: all material, written, oral and figurative sources which make it possible toknow the nature, specifications, meaning and history of the cultural heritage.The Nara Document on Authenticity was drafted by the 45 participants at the Nara Conferenceon Authenticity in Relation to the World Heritage Convention, held at Nara, Japan, from 1-6November 1994, at the invitation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Government of Japan) andthe Nara Prefecture. The Agency organized the Nara Conference in cooperation with UNESCO,ICCROM and ICOMOS.This final version of the Nara Document has been edited by the general rapporteurs of the NaraConference, Mr. Raymond Lemaire and Mr. Herb Stovel.